Save the Children is today calling on world leaders to better protect the large numbers of vulnerable and innocent girls whose lives are destroyed every year by conflict, with the launch a new report ‘Forgotten Casualties of War: Girls in Armed Conflict’.

The report identifies a ‘hidden army’ of girls, some as young as eight, who are abducted against their will to live life in the army. The roles of the girls vary from being actual soldiers through to serving as porters, cleaners and cooks. Im many countries they are forced to serve as sex slaves or ‘wives’.

Speaking on the report, Mike Aaronson, Director General for Save the Children said:

"When people picture conflict they think of men in bloody combat, but it’s horrifyingly girls who are the hidden face of war. This report reveals a shocking and inhumane life for thousands of girls around the world who are failed by the international community.But our purpose is to do more than shock. We aim to change the system and ensure there is proper funding to help these girls so they can - with dignity - regain some sense of normal life. This appalling abuse of girl's rights demands urgent action. Its time to stop the war on children."